Eyebrow Shapes

Even though eyebrows have gained some (much deserved) acclaim in recent years, they are often overlooked and under-appreciated. Of course, it isn't hard to see why; they aren't sparkly and beautiful like eyes or sweet and sexy like lips. Instead, eyebrows are the silent workhorse of the face. They have a big job. Eyebrows frame the facial features, creating balance, so when they change or fall out completely, the balance of the face is thrown off -- and the effect can be dramatic.

In this guide, we will cover eyebrow shapes and help you determine which eyebrow shape is best for your unique face shape. Here are the basic eyebrow shapes that we will explore in greater detail.

Eyebrow Shaping Options:

Besides tweezing, there are a number of ways to modify or enhance the shape of existing eyebrows, or replace them if you have completely lost your eyebrows. Before we get into the details of each eyebrow shape, it's important to keep in mind your options for replacing or enhancing your eyebrows. Here they are:

From brow sticks to powders, there are many different ways to draw on your eyebrows. You can use a stencil to define the shape of the brow, or you can draw it freehand. For a quick tutorial on how to draw eyebrows, click here. You can also use eyebrow makeup to "customize" temporary tattoos and realistic eyebrow wigs.

Pros: Cost effective; You can create completely customized eyebrows.

Cons: Can be time consuming and effort intensive; Requires more skill and practice than other options.

Eyebrow wigs are handmade of human hair attached to a flexible gel strip. They should be replaced every three months.

Pros: Because these brows are made from real hair, they are the most realistic option. Available in three unique shapes.

Cons: These brows are the most expensive option.

A Crash Course in Eyebrow Shapes

Before we start talking about which eyebrow shapes are flattering, we need to know the technical terms associated with eyebrows -- otherwise this guide might get a little confusing. When defining the shape of an eyebrow, there are 5 factors to consider:

The arch height refers to how “lifted” the arch shape is from the bottom of the eyebrow.

If you have a round face, you want to make you face look longer and less circular; eyebrows with a medium to high arch height and a hard or soft angled arch shape will help to lengthen your face. Rounded eyebrows will be the least flattering option on those with round faces.

Square Face Shape

Full and thick eyebrows with a soft or hard angled arch will draw attention from the jaw to the eyes, softening the angles of your face. A soft angled arch can help to soften the jawline, but a hard angled arch with a low arch height will also be flattering. A rounded arch will look unnatural and emphasize the jawline, so it is not ideal.

Heart Shaped Face

Because of your delicate facial structure, you need a delicate brow; full, heavily structured or highly arched eyebrows will appear overwhelming on your face and draw too much attention to the forehead. Soft brows with a low to medium arch height and a curved or soft arch shape will be the most flattering on you.